#China announces creation of ‘Four Year Plan’ to improve its #human #rights record

BEIJING - A SENIOR Chinese official says the country is drawing up a four-year plan to improve the country's human rights record. State Council Information Office minister Wang Chen says the 2012 to 2015 plan has the 'aim of expanding democracy, enhancing the rule of law, improving the people's livelihood and safeguarding human rights.' He says there will be challenges to overcome along the way, including wide gaps in incomes, increased pressure on prices and increasing social conflicts. Mr Wang's comments were published on Wednesday by the state-run China Daily newspaper. Chinese officials generally consider human rights to be improved living standards, rather than greater freedoms. -- AP